Mariners bullish on marquee signing after Usain does the bolt

Central Coast Mariners are preparing to enter the market for a marquee signing on the back of the exposure and experience of hosting Usain Bolt's whirlwind trial to become a professional footballer.

Gone in a dash: Usain Bolt leaves Mariners after failing to agree to financial terms. Credit:AAP

The Jamaican sprinter officially cut ties with the club on Friday after failing to reach an agreement over a professional contract but the door remains open for high profile stars to arrive in his place by the start of 2019. While the Mariners couldn't play the role of an alchemist in turning the world's fastest man into a professional footballer, the club struck gold in sponsorships and exposure that has put them in a financial position to sign foreign stars in the January transfer window.

It's understood no fewer than six commercial partners struck deals with the Mariners since Bolt's trial began in August, boosting the club's bottom line significantly. Central Coast also gained unprecedented exposure overseas, gaining a five-fold increase in their social media accounts in two months.

The club has previously not been regarded as a viable destination for marquee signings. Following their off-field success with Bolt, the Mariners believe they can compete in the market for big-name signings once the A-League transfer window reopens in January.

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"What we've been able to do is put our club in a position to be a serious contender to sign marquee players," Mariners chief executive Shaun Mielekamp said. " It would make sense for us. If we have a competitive half season and we need a shot in the arm, it would well be worth the investment."

All hopes of Bolt appearing in the A-League were dashed after Central Coast Mariners announced a deal could not be reached with the Jamaican sprinter to make him a permanent member of the club.

The Mariners were holding out for a third-party sponsorship to heavily subsidise the wages of Bolt, whose initial asking price was understood to be $3 million, almost $2.9 million more than Central Coast's offer. The club held extensive talks with Bolt's manager, Ricky Simms, to arrange a third party deal but could not reach an agreement.

Having failed to agree to terms, Bolt's trial period with the Mariners comes to a complete halt as the world's fastest man leaves the club to pursue his aspiring football career elsewhere.

“Despite the fact that we could not come to an agreement that would continue Usain Bolt’s football journey with the Central Coast Mariners, we’ve been thrilled to have the Olympic champion sprinter and world-record holder as part of our club for these past eight weeks,” Mariners chairman Mike Charlesworth said.

“For the Mariners, it’s been a pleasure to work with Usain as he pursued his desire to become a professional football player.

“This has been a mutually beneficial partnership that brought an increased level of excitement and attention to both the Mariners and the A-League.

"From day one, Usain dedicated himself to being part of the Mariners. He integrated very well into the team and made great strides as a footballer."

The Mariners were reluctant to jeopardise their football credibility by signing Bolt on a high salary that would have risked upsetting team morale.